Workshops
Our Schools’ Education workshops encourage students to push boundaries while feeling safe in the knowledge that making mistakes can be discoveries; and that the learning journey is paramount, rather than producing a ‘perfect’ result. Our Arts Education for Schools programme is based on the New Zealand National Curriculum and supports inquiry and achievement objectives for Years 1 to 13.
Scroll down for more information on our methods of teaching and to browse all workshops currently on offer.
To view historic workshops that may still be of interest, please view past issues of our Schools' Education Newsletters here.
For all Schools' Education enquiries please contact our Arts Education Manager Megan Carter on
09 838 4455 / education@ceac.org.nz
Everyone is born an artist and we protect that artist, we allow Individual expression and encourage play, it’s safe to make a mess with us! We inspire imagination, ask open questions, encourage sharing and reflection. Our lesson plans are well developed and open to the child’s own outcome, decision making is an important part of being an artist. We teach complex art concepts in simple ways, students are taught to trust the process. We push boundaries with the knowledge that mistakes can be discoveries and the learning journey is paramount rather than perfection.
Phrases we use in our classes that nurture creative thinking are:
“Art is a journey” “Art is a practice” “Don’t be too hard on yourself, we are all learning” “Remember you are the artist today” “As the artist, there are some decisions that are yours to make”.
We hold space for students to create, we provide a kind, safe environment that welcomes and engages all our manuhiri. We present materials in a beautiful way that reflects our ethos and where possible bring nature/real things into the learning environment. We open doors to different media and tools – print, clay, paint, ink, graphite, Caran d'Ache pastels, charcoal, brushes, sticks, sand, sound, movement - wild combinations!
We are part of the dynamic arts community that is Corban Estate Art Centre and we engage with it for personal development, support, collaboration and art experiences to enhance our students learning. We collaborate with schools' learning needs, bringing an authentic, fresh approach to supporting creative learning in the NZ curriculum. We create ongoing relationships with our schools. We cater to all learning types, creating accessible outcomes for all. Art vocabulary is taught by using and explaining it in our workshops, our educators are professional contemporary artists - we celebrate this!
We acknowledge and encourage Turangawaewae, individual identity, and pride in culture. We love and engage storytellers and storytelling. We teach practical making skills and advocate sustainability.
Tikanga Māori Values That We Actively Practice
Auhatanga - Creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, problem-solving, learning, confronting challenges and adapting.
Ako - To both teach and learn - a reciprocal non-hierarchical relationship between the student and teacher. Ako acknowledges the knowledge and experiences of both kaiako/teacher and akona/learner in the shared learning experience.
Whanaungatanga - Relationship, kinship, sense of family connection. A relationship built through shared experiences and working together which provides people with a sense of belonging.
Manaakitanga - Hospitality, kindness, generosity, support. The process of showing respect, and care for others.
Kotahitanga – Collaboration, the principle of unity of purpose and direction. It is demonstrated through the achievement of harmony and moving as one.
Kaitiakitanga - Guardianship and protection, stewardship, preservation. Also, as a way of managing the environment, based on the Māori worldview.
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Download a copy of our Teacher Info Pack & RAMS ahead of your visit to Corban Estate.
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Megan has been involved across the Arts sector as a Producer and Coordinator, and is currently studying for her Masters in Creative Writing through Massey University.
Jean has maintained a painting practice for more than 15 years and recently exhibited at Corban Estate Arts Centre in the Shifting Landscapes exhibition.
Penny is a practising artist with works in several private and public collections. Her primary focus lies in identity.
Molly is a painter and embroidery artist whose work focuses on landscapes, heritage and craft. Molly's art knowledge expands to many fields which she loves teaching to all ages throughout her years of art education.
Featured
Available through Term 1
Mon 29 January - Fri 12 April, 2024
Primary - High School: YNE - Y13
Students will get in touch with their identity and tell their personal story through mark-making and gesture in this mixed-media workshop.
Featured
Available through Term 1
Mon 29 January - Fri 12 April, 2024
Primary - High School: YNE - Y13
This workshop is designed to teach students that their everyday city surroundings can be valid inspiration for landscape art.
Featured
Available through Term 1
Mon 29 January - Fri 12 April, 2024
Primary - High School: YNE - Y13
Inspired by the wonderful work of West Auckland Māori contemporary aArtist Warren Pohatu, this workshop is filled with colour and pattern-making.
Featured
Available through Term 1
Mon 29 January - Fri 12 April, 2024
Primary - High School: YNE - Y13
A workshop born out of conversations around the eclectic gardens of our our mothers and grandmothers, school Ag Days and sand saucer competitions.
Featured
Available through Term 1
Mon 29 January - Fri 12 April, 2024
Primary - High School: YNE - Y13
In this clay workshop, students will use hand-building techniques to design and shape their own lidded container.
Featured
Available through Term 4 - Term 1
Mon 9 October, 2023 - Fri 12 April, 2024
Primary and Intermediate: YNE - Y8
With a focus on storytelling and spontaneity, this workshop presents self-portraiture in a fun and contemporary way.
Primary and Intermediate
Creative Kete: Reimagining the Landscape
Available anytime for a limited period.
Primary and Intermediate: YNE - Y8
Our debut Creative Kete Video Workshop explores the space between realist and abstract painting by examining three contemporary NZ landscape painters; John Pule, Barbara Tuck and Krystie Wade.
More
Sea Creatures of Tangaroa
Available through Term 3-4
Mon 17 July - Tue 19 December 2023
Primary and Intermediate: YNE - Y8
This workshop introduces students to the world of ceramics and a range of techniques to create their own sea creature.
More
Sound Pictures - Collagraph Printing
Available through Term 3-4
Mon 17 July - Tue 19 December 2023
Primary and Intermediate: YNE - Y8
In this playful workshop, students will turn sounds into marks, discovering and inventing how to visually represent the sound of things.
More
Uku Whistle
Available through Term 3-4
Mon 17 July - Tue 19 December 2023
Primary and Intermediate: Y5 - Y8
This ceramic workshop offers a unique opportunity for students to learn about clay-building techniques, sound waves, and artistic expression.
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A Bag Full of Summer
Available through Term 4
Mon 9 October - Tue 19 December 2023
Primary and Intermediate: YNE - Y8
This workshop takes a close look at textile design discovering how complex and interesting designs can be achieved from a simple shape through pattern repeat.
More
Outside In Landscapes
Available through Term 4
Mon 9 October - Tue 19 December 2023
Primary and Intermediate: Y3 - Y8
This workshop is a fun introduction to the tradition of sketching the landscape en plain air.
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A Julie Moselen Masterclass
Available through Term 4
Mon 9 October - Tue 19 December 2023
Primary and Intermediate: YNE - Y8
Julie Moselen is a large-scale sculptural artist based on-site at Corban Estate. Inspired by the ancient symbolism and rugged coastline of her Cornish homeland, this workshop offers children the opportunity to learn directly from the artist herself.
More
See Me Go! Action Portraits
Available through Term 4 - Term 1
Mon 9 October, 2023 - Fri 12 April, 2024
Primary and Intermediate: YNE - Y8
With a focus on storytelling and spontaneity, this workshop presents self-portraiture in a fun and contemporary way.
More
Primary - High School
Printed Portraiture
Available through Term 1
Mon 29 January - Fri 12 April, 2024
Primary - High School: YNE - Y13
Students will get in touch with their identity and tell their personal story through mark-making and gesture in this mixed-media workshop.
More
Seeing the City
Available through Term 1
Mon 29 January - Fri 12 April, 2024
Primary - High School: YNE - Y13
This workshop is designed to teach students that their everyday city surroundings can be valid inspiration for landscape art.
More
Navigate My Way
Available through Term 1
Mon 29 January - Fri 12 April, 2024
Primary - High School: YNE - Y13
Inspired by the wonderful work of West Auckland Māori contemporary aArtist Warren Pohatu, this workshop is filled with colour and pattern-making.
More
Watercolour Putiputi Saucers
Available through Term 1
Mon 29 January - Fri 12 April, 2024
Primary - High School: YNE - Y13
A workshop born out of conversations around the eclectic gardens of our our mothers and grandmothers, school Ag Days and sand saucer competitions.
More
Ceramic Studio: Oceans and Origins Treasure Boxes
Available through Term 1
Mon 29 January - Fri 12 April, 2024
Primary - High School: YNE - Y13
In this clay workshop, students will use hand-building techniques to design and shape their own lidded container.
More
Abstract Energies
Available through Term 3
Mon 17 July - Fri 22 September 2023
Primary and Intermediate: YNE - Y8
In this workshop students will discover the exciting world of abstract painting.
More
Kinetic Kowhaiwhai
Available through Term 3
Mon 17 July - Fri 22 September 2023
Primary and Intermediate: Y4 - Y8
In this engaging and hands-on workshop, students will discover the beauty and language of kowhaiwhai, a traditional Māori art form.
More
Bamboo Sheath Landscapes and the art of Stanley Palmer
Available through Term 2
Mon 24 April - Fri 30 June 2023
Primary and Intermediate: Y4 - Y8
Inspired by Aotearoa artist Stanley Palmer, tamariki learn the process of turning a sheet of bamboo into a striking artwork.
More
How Trees Talk
Available through Terms 1 & 2
Mon 30 January - Thu 6 April 2023
Mon 24 April - Fri 30 June 2023
Primary - High School: YNE - Y13
In this workshop we will explore the complex systems of trees and how they live in balance and cooperation with other creatures, plants and microorganisms.
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Matariki Poi
Available through Term 2
Mon 24 April - Fri 30 June 2023
Primary and Intermediate: YNE - Y8
Looking into tikanga and whakpapa, tamariki will take inspiration from a star from the Matariki star cluster and create a foam board design to then print onto fabric and use to cover their own poi ball.
More
Tupuārangi - Kai in the Sky
Available through Term 2
Mon 24 April - Fri 30 June 2023
Primary - High School: YNE - Y13
In this Matariki inspired workshop tamariki will learn about the Matariki star cluster, focusing on Tupuārangi, the star associated with kai that comes from the sky, primarily fruits and berries and ngā manu that feed upon them.
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Landscapes of Tamaki Mākaurau
Available through Term 1
Mon 30 January - Thu 6 April 2023
Primary - High School: YNE - Y13
In this workshop students will create a modernist Tamaki Mākarau landscape painting, influenced by the composition and style of famous NZ artist Colin McCahon.
More
Rangi and Papa : He ātaahua ēnei whenua (these lands are beautiful)
Available through Term 1
Mon 30 January - Thu 6 April 2023
Primary - High School: YNE - Y13
Inspired by the story of Ranginui and Papatūānuku, students will create a mixed-media landscape about land and sky.
More
How Trees Talk
Available through Term 1
Mon 30 January - Thu 6 April 2023
Primary - High School: YNE - Y13
Children will get to experience what it means to make large-scale art as we discuss notions of cooperation, in relationship to how trees work together, looking after each other.
More
Monsterous Tiles
Available through Terms 1 & 2
Mon 30 January - Thu 6 April 2023
Mon 24 April - Fri 30 June 2023
Primary and Intermediate: YNE - Y2
Monsters are the theme of this clay session. What weird and wacky monsters can students imagine and then shape their clay into?
More
Clay Monster Crew
Available through Terms 1 & 2
Mon 30 January - Thu 6 April 2023
Mon 24 April - Fri 30 June 2023
Primary and Intermediate: Y4 - Y8
Students will be inspired through the combining of different animal features to create the most original clay monster that their imaginations can conceive.
More
Cardboard Selfie
Available through Term 1
Mon 30 January - Thu 6 April 2023
Primary and Intermediate: Y3 - Y8
In this workshop students will create a life-sized self-portrait using cardboard and scissors, describing each child’s appearance in cardboard shades.
More
An Eclipse of Felted Moths
Available through Terms 1-3
Mon 30 January - Fri 22 September 2023
Primary and Intermediate: YNE - Y8
Inspired by the beautiful 3D moth installation work of Aotearoa artist Elizabeth Thomson, in this workshop tamariki will create a classroom collection of native moth and butterfly specimens using the age-old technique of wet felting.
More
Putiputi in Print
Available through Term 4
17 October - 16 December 2022
Primary - High School: YNE - Y13
A bright happy springtime print and collage workshop weighted in observation of the native flora of Aotearoa.
More
Ceramic Studio: Garden Pot Creatures
Available through Term 4
17 October - 16 December 2022
Primary - High School: YNE - Y13
In this clay workshop, students will use hand-building techniques to design and shape their very own bowl or vessel.
More
Selfie Frida Styles
Available through Term 4
17 October - 16 December 2022
Primary - High School: YNE - Y13
In this workshop students will create a vibrant mixed media self-portrait in the style of the fabulous Frida Kahlo.
More
Nature Journaling and Book Construction
Available through Term 4
17 October - 16 December 2022
Primary - High School: YNE - Y13
Introduces classical and contemporary bookbinding techniques using a range of materials.
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Stories of Light and Shadow
Available through Term 4
17 October - 16 December 2022
Primary - High School: Y3 - Y13
During this workshop students will discuss the basic elements of storytelling, thinking about how a picture can tell a story.
More
Shadowy Fun Story Theatre
Available through Term 4
17 October - 16 December 2022
Primary and Intermediate: Y1 - Y2
Taking inspiration from NZ artists who use shadow techniques in their practice, students will explore the age-old technique of telling stories through shadow and light.
More
Rock Pool Party
Available through Term 3
25 July - 29 September 2022
Primary and Intermediate: YNE - Y8
Discover the resilient, charismatic creatures of Tangaroa’s rock pool whānau.
More
Night Critters
Available through Term 3
25 July - 29 September 2022
Primary and Intermediate: YNE - Y8
Inspired by the colourful compositions of Warren Pouhatu’s intricate drawings, this workshop looks at native species in Aotearoa who thrive in the dark.
More
Clay Studio – Vessels
Available through Term 3
25 July - 29 September 2022
Primary and Intermediate: YNE - Y8
Wonderful hands-on clay workshop providing an opportunity for kids to get their finger muscles moving and their hand-eye coordination happening.
More
Tāwhirimātea Hits the West Coast
Available through Term 3
25 July - 29 September 2022
Primary and Intermediate: YNE - Y8
Based on the wild west coast seascapes of Tāmaki Makaurau, this workshop will weave in tales of Tāwhirimātea (the Atua of weather) as the students try out a variety of techniques designed to align with the feeling of a stormy windswept beach.
More
Rūaumoko and the Volcanic Landscape of Tāmaki Makaurau
Available through Term 3
25 July - 29 September 2022
Primary and Intermediate: YNE - Y8
A creative response to story and science through the formation of our local landscape, a land of lava and strata.
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Haere Mai Ngā Kuaka
Available through Term 3
25 July - 29 September 2022
Primary and Intermediate: YNE - Y8
In this workshop, children will create their own flying Kuaka to take home as well as participate in a collaborative drawing of flight for the classroom.
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